On March 7, 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the redesign of the Medicare Summary Notice (MSN), the statement that informs Medicare beneficiaries about their claims for Medicare services and benefits. The … [Read more...] about New Medicare Summary Notice
Weekly Alert
Reducing Rehospitalizations… The Right Way
For several years, reducing rehospitalizations of Medicare beneficiaries has been a key public policy goal, the intent of which is to improve quality of care for beneficiaries and reduce costs for the Medicare program.[1] Studies have shown … [Read more...] about Reducing Rehospitalizations… The Right Way
The President’s Proposed 2013 Budget: Impact on Medicare
This week, President Obama unveiled his Fiscal Year 2013 Budget.[1] Overall, the Center for Medicare Advocacy believes that the budget demonstrates a commitment to keeping the Medicare program strong and keeping the program's promise … [Read more...] about The President’s Proposed 2013 Budget: Impact on Medicare
Investing in Our Future: Strengthening Medicare for 2012 and Beyond
This year brings another election season, another Congressional session, and another opportunity to fortify Medicare, both for those who rely on it now and for future generations. Medicare has been strengthened during the past few years. … [Read more...] about Investing in Our Future: Strengthening Medicare for 2012 and Beyond
Center for Medicare Advocacy Files Amicus Brief In Support Of the Affordable Care Act
Joining five other national organizations that represent the interests of elderly and disabled people, the Center for Medicare Advocacy filed an amicus brief on January 30 in the United States Supreme Court supporting a position of the federal … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Files Amicus Brief In Support Of the Affordable Care Act
The Medicare Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-Coverage (ABN): A Tool for Limiting Beneficiary Liability
Medicare's limitation on liability (LOL) protections[1] apply when a provider believes that an otherwise covered Medicare item or service will be denied because the item or service is not reasonable and necessary[2] or is for custodial care.[3] … [Read more...] about The Medicare Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-Coverage (ABN): A Tool for Limiting Beneficiary Liability
Medicare Cost-Sharing for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries
Balance Billing is Prohibited. Period. New Guidance released jointly by the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) and the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office (MMCO) once again highlights and advises about an issue that has created … [Read more...] about Medicare Cost-Sharing for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries
Voluntary Nursing Home Improvement Campaign Does Not Work
Nursing Facilities Participating in Advancing Excellence Still Among Worst Performers Many nursing facilities that are identified by the federal government as among the facilities providing the poorest quality of care to residents in the country … [Read more...] about Voluntary Nursing Home Improvement Campaign Does Not Work
New Medicare Part D Pharmacy Notice Rule In Effect; Stay Tuned for Final Model Notice
Effective January 1, 2012, Medicare Part D plan enrollees who are unable to obtain a prescription drug at the pharmacy are now, in most instances, entitled to a written notice explaining how they can contact their Part D plan in order to initiate an … [Read more...] about New Medicare Part D Pharmacy Notice Rule In Effect; Stay Tuned for Final Model Notice
Reminder: Medicare Covers Obesity Prevention with No Cost-Sharing
On November 29, 2011, CMS announced its decision to include coverage for obesity screening and counseling services for Medicare beneficiaries.[1] This new coverage for Medicare beneficiaries is another tool aimed at emphasizing prevention and … [Read more...] about Reminder: Medicare Covers Obesity Prevention with No Cost-Sharing